Welcome omniescient! Glad you've come to this thread for a more direct focus on pagan influences in Christianity.
Originally posted by omniescient
But I would like to say this:
I just dont understand how a Christian can justify a Sunday Sabbath
See Sabbath thread I'd linked on the other thread where we were talking about this. In summary:
"Another time he (Jesus) went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus,
so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of
everyone."
Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. - Mark
3:1-4
Originally posted by omniescient
& celebrate these modern Christian holidays (whether they are rooted in paganism or not).
There are a dime a dozen of these threads, take your pick. If I'm not on them, I'd be glad to come over. Just let me know which one. A lot of
this has to do with the history of evangelism (which is not a swear word, but some people including some tv evangelists can make it so). If I recall
correctly, the Roman Chatholic Church practised integration of regional cultures to facilitate Biblical understandings. I disagree with this practice
because of this reprocussion, though the argument can be made that many have come to know God through these kinds of parallel analogies.
I agree Christian holidays should not have anything to do with paganism, and practice to remove any pagan symbols, practices, and rites that are
associated with them. This means though that I do celebrate the birth and resurrection of Christ. I'm still scrutinizing these holydays closely
(holiday comes from "holy day").
Originally posted by omniescient
Didn't Yahweh appoint specific days & festivals that His people are to follow?
Christ was a practicing Jew, who did introduce the Last Supper/Resurrection as holy events. Paul sums this answer up nicely:
"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." - Corinthians 10:31
There are other references too, that say do not worry about these things so long as we're doing it for Yahweh, according to His goodness, His love,
and His righteousness.
Originally posted by omniescient
Why not just hold to THEM?
For a Christian, is the festival of lights a more glorious than the promise of eternal life? I agree that Christians should dig into their heritage
more, and perhaps make use of these celebrations to remember. Having a solar calendar instead of lunar can complicate things, but I know of some
Messianic Jewish friends whom I could learn a lot from in this regard.
Originally posted by omniescient
It seems like such a careless gamble for Christians to accept any man-made change(s) or modification(s) in instuctions that were given to you by
Yahweh.
I agree we should be careful to remain in His Light and not get wrapped up in candy, costumes, clovers, alcohol, and other things making them our god.
Clearly that breaks the laws and intentions for our hearts.
Originally posted by omniescient
And how risky is it to assume that Yahweh won't count you guilty for it on the grounds that you had good intentions?
No one is guiltless:
"This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of
the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." - Roman 3:22-24
If a person is gambling on being perfect to get into heaven, they're in for a nasty surprise. I absolutely agree that we should be discerning and
careful in the things we do, being sure that they honour God.
Originally posted by omniescient
A disobedient child with good intentions is still a disobedient child.
I agree we should take care, but again, there is no "perfect child" except One.
Originally posted by omniescient
It's just difficult for me to understand how Christians seem to just overlook/ignore so many inconsistencies.
Lack of a yearning for the truth? Selfishness? These are all things we can all accuse each other for, though not only in this instance but in many
others. But, that's what we're here to discuss. Let both sides represent and the jury decide...but we should be cautious not to be hasty and judge
one another.
Originally posted by omniescient
I believe in Yahweh & His Word,
Excellent, as do I. I think we've got a firm foundation from which to work then.
Originally posted by omniescient
but I also believe that these alteration are devices being used to 'decieve many of the elect'.
I agree that any alterations are devices to decieve. Furthermore, I appreciate your compassion and concern for others.
Originally posted by omniescient
Is it not possible that it is by His will that these 'issues' are now being revealed to us?
Certainly. I believe that you and me are supposed to be here having this discussion right now. If you try to figure out the probability of it being
"chance" or "luck"(which is a part of a different religion entirely), the numbers would be staggering. Many times, when two reasonable people
discuss things, something is learned by one, the other or even both. I think that's an important part of our mission --> spiritual growth.
Originally posted by omniescient
In Revelations, when a Voice says "come out of her, my people", isn't that an indication that His people would be 'within' something detestable
to Him?
Ya, that's what I gather.
Originally posted by omniescient
Bottom line, I just feel that it's a blessing that the truths about many things regarding the Word are so accessable to us now. Christians,although
they come across this knowledge themselves, just seem to be stuck in their ways. Even when they find out their ways may have been wrong.
This isn't a problem soley for Christians...this is a problem with
manking. But! It is easy to see this problem in Christians because they
are
supposed to be adherents to God's truth. An athiest or agnostic is not bound by any fixed moral law, but a Christian should have it in
their hands in black and white print. A Wiccan can "do as thou will", but a Christian has to do what is righteous in the sight of God. Any idea
how difficult that can be to do all the time? They're high standards for any human to try to reach up to...nevertheless we must try.
I'm totally enjoying this conversation now. I'm feeling like I'm talking to you instead of someone else's notes. We all like to think we're
original in thought, but these same questions and issues you're asking were also asked and addressed two thousand years ago (sometimes older) as
well, not just on other ATS threads.